Cinco de Mayo: The Real Story!

Summary

Cinco de Mayo is often mistakenly thought to celebrate Mexico's Independence Day, but it actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. During this battle, a small, under-equipped Mexican army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza achieved a symbolic victory over the French, who were attempting to establish a French empire in Mexico. Though not a decisive victory in the war, it inspired further resistance. Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated widely, particularly in the U.S., as a symbol of Mexican pride and resilience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Battle of Puebla, not Mexican Independence Day.
• 😀 Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th, not May 5th.
• 😀 Cinco de Mayo commemorates a 1862 victory when Mexico defeated the French army at Puebla.
• 😀 Mexico was heavily in debt by 1861, prompting a suspension of debt payments.
• 😀 France, Britain, and Spain intervened in Mexico to recover unpaid debts, but the British and Spanish withdrew.
• 😀 Napoleon III of France aimed to expand his empire in the Americas and occupied Mexico City.
• 😀 On May 5th, 1862, the Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French army.
• 😀 The Battle of Puebla was a symbolic victory for Mexico, although it didn’t change the outcome of the war.
• 😀 The victory inspired Mexican resistance and led to General Zaragoza being hailed as a hero.
• 😀 After the French withdrew, the Second Mexican Empire collapsed, and Benito Juárez reclaimed the presidency.
• 😀 Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the United States, particularly in Los Angeles, than in Mexico.

Q & A

What is Cinco de Mayo, and how is it celebrated?

Cinco de Mayo is a day of Mexican pride and heritage, celebrated on May 5th. It is marked by parades, family gatherings, folk dancing, mariachi music, Mexican-inspired food, and beverages such as cerveza and margaritas.

What is the common misconception about Cinco de Mayo?

Many Americans mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's Independence Day. However, Mexico's Independence Day is actually celebrated on September 16th, not May 5th.

What event does Cinco de Mayo commemorate?

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where a small Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated a much larger French force.

Why did Mexico owe a significant amount of debt in the 1860s?

After struggling with wars, including the Mexican-American War and the War of Reform, Mexico accumulated substantial debt, borrowing money from countries like the UK, Spain, and France.

What led to the intervention of European countries in Mexico's affairs?

In 1861, Mexican President Benito Juarez suspended debt payments to European countries, prompting Spain, the UK, and France to sign an agreement to intervene and recover the unpaid debts.

What were Napoleon III's ambitions in Mexico?

Napoleon III sought to revive French global influence and aimed to create a French-led Federation by incorporating Mediterranean states and former Spanish and Portuguese colonies in the Americas, including Mexico.

How did the Battle of Puebla unfold on May 5th, 1862?

The French, underestimating the Mexican forces, attacked the fortified city of Puebla. Despite being outnumbered and poorly equipped, the Mexicans successfully repelled the French assaults, leading to a symbolic victory.

What was the significance of the Mexican victory on May 5th, 1862?

The victory at Puebla was a major morale booster for Mexico and symbolized resistance against foreign invasion. It also gave the Mexican people a sense of pride and empowerment, especially with the leadership of General Zaragoza.

What happened after the Battle of Puebla, and how did France respond?

Despite the Mexican victory, France sent reinforcements and, after a siege, captured Puebla in 1863. The French eventually took control of Mexico City, establishing the Second Mexican Empire under Archduke Maximilian.

Why is Cinco de Mayo more widely celebrated in the U.S. than in Mexico?

Cinco de Mayo has become more of a commercial and cultural celebration in the U.S., particularly among Mexican-Americans. The largest celebration takes place in Los Angeles, California, while in Mexico, it is more of a regional holiday, especially in Puebla.